On being Grateful

Image from here

In Matthew 19:14, God makes note of the importance of us to be like children:

Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

The truth of this scripture is clearer to me now that i'm a parent and am in close interaction with children. Our 1st born and his friend gave me a vivid example.

My son is sold out on a particular Disney/Pixar animated movie. With his fascination with the characters comes his desire to take part in the consumerism and marketing ploy that Disney/Pixar has established  It's kind of fun watching him reenact scenes from the movie with his toys so we've given in a bit. So, on this particular day while grocery shopping with him, he sees a lunch bag with his favorite characters all over it. He exclaimed in excitement, pointing and pleading. Not again! But then again, I have been wanting to get him a lunch box...So I let him have it. "Thank you, Mommy!" he says beaming from all sides. After the checkout line and back in the car he says it again..."Thank you Mommy!" and again after another 5 minutes! He says so one more time before he dozed off on our way home.

He seemed to be expressing sincere gratitude. It really touched my heart as he seems so young...it made me want to go out and get him something more!

The second point comes from his friend who came over in his brand spanking-new sneakers. He brought them to our attention: "Look at the shoes my Mommy bought me." He probably said it two or three times during the course of the morning. He didn't take them off whereas he usually does. We all went to the library and he was sure to tell the storyteller about his new shoes. From our perspective, he must have one great mom! :)

These kids showed me the power of gratitude. We beg and plead God for the things we want and when he gives them to us, our response is critical. For the one who can't stop thanking Him; for the one who can't stop testifying, he is the one who will receive greater favor and more answers. It must truly delight God to experience our gratitude. I know it was delightful for me, and i'm just a parent. How much more so our Heavenly Father who likes to give us good things and has the capacity to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think.

I Thessalonians 5:18: In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.